Browns officials are making all the right moves to reconnect with the fan base

From their strange search for a kicker to a draft that was every bit as goofy, the Browns have given us plenty of chances to criticize their offseason.Off the field, however, it has been anything but “same old Browns.”We've detailed the excellent work of Kevin Griffin, the team's new vice president of fan experience and marketing, and discussed team president Alec Scheiner's push for more interaction with the fans.Griffin, Scheiner and Co. haven't disappointed this week, either.As Sunday's regular-season opener approaches and the football-mad region breaks down the team's weaknesses at right guard and the cornerback spot opposite Joe Haden, the front office is encouraging its followers to “Paint the Town Browns.”Via a “Paint the Town Browns” website and the team's Twitter account, the Browns earlier this week gave away 12 prizes in 12 hours, including “exclusive” experiences, tickets, an all-inclusive road trip and autographed items.Each day this week, the website will release details about new engagement opportunities.

On the agenda for Thursday is a “fan readiness station” that will be available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on East 4th Street. The team says there will be prizes, more chances to win VIP experiences, an interactive photo booth and a shot to see the new “We Are Cleveland” Browns express bus.The team will also host a tailgate party from 1 to 6 p.m. Friday at Crocker Park that will feature appearances by Browns alumni.Maybe you're still shaking your head about the draft-day trade with the Steelers.But you should have confidence that the team “gets it” in at least one regard — it must do everything possible to reconnect with a fan base that had grown as discouraged as ever during the disastrous Pat Shurmur era.

Tribe is batting .800 since 2009

The Indians' quest to make the postseason for the first time in six years is still going strong. The Tribe has won three of its last four contests to remain 3½ games behind Tampa Bay in the race for the second wild-card berth in the American League.Away from the diamond, the Tribe is 4-for-5, as in four appearances on the NorthCoast 99 in the last five years.The Indians are the lone professional sports team in town to make the 2013 list of the best places to work in Northeast Ohio.The Tribe became the first pro sports franchise to earn NorthCoast 99 recognition in 2009, and they have earned the recognition three additional times since.

NorthCoast 99 was developed by the Employer's Resource Council in 1999. The group honors “great workplaces for top talent in Northeast Ohio.”

A small chance at a Lion-sized payout

How's this for a way to bring home $10,000 from a football game? (Not sure if security is included with the prize.)Sunday, the Detroit Lions will hold a 50-50 raffle during their season opener against the Minnesota Vikings.According to Crain's Detroit Business, “the cash-only tickets are three for $5, seven for $10 and 25 for $20.”There will be six raffle kiosks on the concourse, and volunteers will be “wearing 'safety green' Lions 50-50 Raffle branded shirts,” the newspaper reports.The Arizona Cardinals became the first NFL team to hold a 50/50 raffle in 2012. The raffles — held during the final three games of the season at University of Phoenix Stadium — generated revenues of $14,000, $17,000 and $19,000, the Sports Business Journal reported. Half of the proceeds went to charity.The Lions' raffles will benefit the team's “Living for the City” community outreach initiative and the Henry Ford Health System Josephine Ford Cancer Institute.Toronto-based Bump 50:50 has contracts with the Lions and Washington Redskins to use its digital turnkey technology for the 50-50 raffles.You can follow me on Twitter for sports information, analysis and details of my trip to Detroit for 50-50 riches.

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